Iman Memarian: Feeding Stray Dogs Is Not Kindness, It Is Cruelty to Wildlife

The issue of ownerless dogs has become a predicament in cities and villages, but that is not the whole story; because besides these dogs, there are also herd dogs, which some have identified as harmful to wildlife. The Quds Daily has conducted an interview on this subject with “Dr. Iman Memarian,” who has completed specialized wildlife courses in South Africa, Spain, and the Netherlands, and reading this interview is not without merit.

Do you consider dogs a species that harms wildlife?

Generally speaking, dogs, which have been domesticated by humans and have lived with us for centuries, are considered harmful if they enter natural habitats and are counted among invasive groups; whether these dogs are strays or dogs that have owners, such as herd dogs.

You mentioned that these dogs have lived with humans for centuries; what explanation do you have for this part?

The crux of the matter lies precisely in this living with humans and domesticating these animals. Of course, let us not forget that humans are also the very beings who cause habitat destruction, and while the dog can be accepted as a companion animal to humans, it has no place in nature, and when it enters the natural environment, it damages that environment.

When dogs are classified as an invasive species for nature, what should be done?

Firstly, according to the law, the entry of dogs into areas such as national parks and protected areas is prohibited; whether these dogs are strays or have owners. Another part of this matter is that owned dogs must be registered, vaccinated, and, in order to control the population, sterilization must also be implemented. Once these measures are carried out, violators in this domain must be dealt with. The fate of stray dogs is also clear. When they enter these protected habitats, they must be removed from the habitat.

Do you hold the same view regarding herd dogs, that they should be eliminated, or should a different approach be taken?

Regarding herd dogs, the matter is different. Firstly, the herds themselves have no place in natural habitats, national parks, and protected areas, and according to the law, herds are not permitted to enter these areas. In free-ranging areas, an assessment must also be made of the extent to which a herd needs dogs and in what numbers, and then a population control and vaccination program must be implemented for them.

In general, our traditional livestock farming system, in which we release livestock into habitats, thereby causing environmental damage to nature and wildlife and making habitats unsafe, is not only environmentally unsound and harmful to wildlife but is also by no means economical; because this livestock has not been genetically improved, does not have a good production coefficient, does not produce meat, milk, and wool commensurate with the amount of fodder it consumes, and furthermore, it is not very hygienic, as health controls are not applied to it either. This is harmful to humans and wildlife, so to fundamentally solve the problem, the traditional animal husbandry system must be reformed.

Do we have statistics on the number of dogs living in the country?

Unfortunately, no. But we know, for example, that in places like Turan and Miandasht, we have the highest numbers of herd dogs, and that is thanks to the research conducted by the cheetah project. In other regions of the country, no work has been done, and around Tehran, they are increasing day by day.

When you say herd dogs must be vaccinated and sterilized, along with other proposed programs, how much of the problem does this solve?

A number of these stray dogs are herd dogs. Unfortunately, herders do not want female dogs and also abandon female puppies. These puppies become stray dogs, and this becomes a factor in the transmission of certain diseases; both diseases that become a predicament for humans and diseases that become a predicament for wildlife and other animals.

Have you encountered animals whose illness was due to the presence of dogs?

Yes, frequently; especially around Tehran, where people are now also feeding stray dogs in these areas. The increase in the number of stray dogs in the habitats around Tehran has caused us to see a lot of parasitic diseases in wildlife; something that is rare in the world.

A contradiction also arises here; animal rights advocates say these dogs must be fed, and you do not hold this belief and speak of the harms caused by dogs. How can the problem be solved?

Yes! In these aid efforts, which outwardly seem very good and humane, an important point is overlooked, and that is that controlling the dog population depends on waste control. That is, waste must be properly managed so that food is not available to these dogs and their population does not increase. When we feed them, we cause the population of this species to increase, and this means an increase in the population of an animal that has no place in nature, meaning harm to natural species. And if we look at the matter correctly, this feeding is not only not a kindness, but rather a cruelty to wildlife.

With these explanations, which institutions should be expected to work on the issue of herding dogs?

Three institutions can work in this area: the Department of Environment, the Veterinary Organization, and the Ministry of Health, which unfortunately have done nothing about this issue. The cultural awareness aspect of this matter should also not be forgotten, on which visual and audio media can work.

Do you have statistics on the casualties of important wildlife species caused by herding dogs?

In the past three years, five cheetahs have been directly killed by herding dogs, even though they are perhaps the least threat to herds.

And a final word?

I hope the media will help and raise awareness so that we know what true animal love is; because the current trend of animal love in this common way is harmful to wildlife.